The Sigma USB Dock paired with Sigma Optimization Pro software brings lens customization to an entirely new level. Photographers can now personally update the firmware of Sigma’s new Global Vision lenses and make performance enhancements including multi-zone microfocus adjustments of +/-20 from the factory default settings.

Sigma Global Vision lenses can be customized through the USB Dock and Sigma Optimization Pro software. As you can see, we’ve customized several lenses so far!

Click “Play” to watch a screencast demonstration of Sigma Optimization Pro in action!

And with two custom settings accessible through the on-lens switch, it is possible to have three sets of performance parameters: Factory settings, C1 and C2. Because when it comes right down to it, photography is about personal vision, and while a photographer working a turn on Giant Slalom ski racing is going to want blazingly fast autofocus, with a focus limiter set to cover that certain distance, a wildlife photographer in a blind beside an eagle’s nest waiting for fledglings might want the AF to be a bit more methodical over a different, much closer focus limiter range.

Microfocus can be adjusted in four zones, and with zoom lenses, at different focal lengths.

Overall, as the screencast demonstrates, operation is easy and intuitive within the graphical interface of Sigma Optimization Pro. And once the firmware is rewritten, it is, honestly, amazingly satisfying as a photographer to observe the custom changes in effect through the viewfinder! The factory AF speed is swift as it is, but combining the Speed-priority AF setting and a custom focus limiter really makes it fly!

Autofocus Speed can be speeded up or slowed down, depending on your preferences.

You can set your own near and far focus limiter points.

You can select from Dynamic, Standard, or Moderate OS settings to control the feel of the OS operation while framing through the viewfinder.

Next up for me is an in-depth hands-on field report with the Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG OS HSM | Sports lens in action. Check back around May 9th for that!

[…] for different situations – one for ballgame and another for birdwatching. Learn more about Sigma’s Optimization Pro Software and USB Dock. B&H carries the Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Lens for Canon and Sigma USB […]

Will this Sigma usb dock be available for Sony alpha & Pentax mount lenses and when? Currently, its listed availability is only for Sigma, Canon, Nikon mounts.

M Vaughan said: 2013.08.11 15:52

Brilliant feature, but it be nice if we could add this technology as an app for the cameras firmware so adjustments can be made to the lens on the fly while out in the field.
Next best thing would be a software app to run on a mobile with USB lead which you may or may not already have.

[…] advanced lens in the Contemporary line and shares the most advanced lens customization feature set (via the optional USB dock) with the Sports version. This includes autofocus speed enhancement, custom focus limiter, 16 zone […]